Kotb opens up to ET about all the best aspects of working alongside her new co-host.
It's been almost a week since Jenna Bush Hager settled into her new job on the Today show, stepping into the big shoes of Kathie Lee Gifford, and Hoda Kotb says the first few days have been wonderful.
ET caught up with Kotb at The Hollywood Reporter's 9th Annual Most Powerful People In Media gala event at The Pool in New York City on Thursday, and she opened up about working alongside her new co-host.
"She's a blast!" Kotb declared of Bush Hager. "She's a real hard worker, which has revealed itself in such a big way. She's a kind person, and she's putting her heart on the table."
"I dig it, man," the 54-year-old TV personality added, excitedly. "I dig her vibe, I dig that she's honest and open. When she messes up, she messed up and she doesn't care. When she's on fire, she's on fire and she's happy, so I'm cheering her on!"
Bush Hager, 37, joined the fourth hour of the Today show following Gifford's departure after 11 years, and Kotb say she's doing a great job at bringing her own energy and presence to the program.
"[Kathie Lee] left a gaping hole and no one can fill it, but Jenna can do her own dance," Kotb shared.
While she might not be a part of the show anymore, it seems that Gifford is still tuning in to see how things are going in her absence.
"She told me she watched day 1, and she liked it!" Kotb said. "I was surprised."
The veteran TV host also opened up about being honored at the media gala, after being named one of the most powerful women in media by The Hollywood Reporter.
"I've gotta say, I was just looking around at the people that are here and one of the main reasons I think anyone succeeds is because of who they get to work with," Kotb shared. "Honestly, because you're a big fat zero if you're not surrounded by strength."
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